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Headcorn thug Billy Williams sentenced to life in jail after twisted attack on Maidstone pensioner

A pensioner was left tied to a chair for two days, after an evil thug held her at knifepoint and ransacked her home.

Billy Williams, from Smarden Road in Headcorn, forced his way into his elderly victim's rural property near Maidstone, as he held his hand over her mouth and a chisel to her neck.

Billy Williams was sentenced to life in jail and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years following the attack near Maidstone. Picture: Kent Police
Billy Williams was sentenced to life in jail and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years following the attack near Maidstone. Picture: Kent Police

Forcing her into several rooms, the 29-year-old made repeated demands for money and valuables, before picking up a blade, threatening to kill her and sexually assaulting her.

The twisted yob then bound the woman, 67, to a chair and gagged her, leaving her unable to call for help as she struggled to breathe.

He then doused the victim with alcohol from bottles in her living room, before stealing cash and possessions, including a laptop and other personal items, which he stashed in a suit cover.

DCI Neil Kimber said: "Williams targeted a vulnerable woman and subjected her to a truly terrifying ordeal.

"He beat, threatened and cruelly tormented his victim and then left her bound to a chair, knowing there was every chance she could die unless someone came to her aid."

The ordeal began at about 6pm on April 4, 2021, when the victim noticed Williams – who was a stranger – acting suspiciously next to her property.

He asked her for water, claiming he had lost a bottle from his bike.

She gave him a drink as he stood outside her front gate – but as she made her way back inside, he leapt over the barrier and forced his hand over her mouth while holding a chisel to her neck.

CCTV footage showed Headcorn thug Billy Williams riding a bicycle while carrying the suit cover. Picture: Kent Police
CCTV footage showed Headcorn thug Billy Williams riding a bicycle while carrying the suit cover. Picture: Kent Police

It was not until April 6 that police received a call expressing concerns from someone who had been unable to contact the victim.

An officer saw that evening the front door to the home was open, before discovering the woman inside secured to the chair, which had fallen over.

She was dehydrated and had suffered cuts and bruises to her face and body.

A witness pointed out Williams at an identification parade, having seen him in the neighbourhood on the day of the burglary.

The victim’s property was forensically examined and Williams' DNA was detected on a sherry bottle that had been emptied onto the victim.

CCTV footage was also recovered which showed him riding a bicycle while carrying the suit cover. It appeared to contain several bulky items.

He was later charged with counts of aggravated burglary, false imprisonment and sexual assault. He was further charged with a separate and unrelated burglary, which was carried out on the same day.

DCI Neil Kimber led the investigation into the case
DCI Neil Kimber led the investigation into the case

Williams denied any wrongdoing, but was found guilty on all counts by a unanimous verdict at Maidstone Crown Court.

During the trial in December, he tried to escape from custody and forced his way to a main exit, where he was wrestled to the ground by police and security.

He pleaded guilty to additional charges of escaping from lawful custody and two counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

He also admitted assaulting an inmate in March 2020, when he was a prisoner in HMP Peterborough.

Williams was sentenced in Southwark yesterday to life in jail and ordered to serve a minimum of 18 years.

"He's an extremely dangerous individual, with a history of violent offending," DCI Kimber added.

"He hasn’t shown a flicker of remorse for the suffering he has caused to his victim, who stood no chance of defending herself and will have to endure the psychological impact of his despicable actions for the rest of her life.

"The sentence will at least ensure he remains behind bars for a significant amount of time."

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